An Exploration of Factors Influencing the Performance of Septic Tanks in Reducing Excreta Hazard
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
First Statement of Responsibility
Medina, Beverly Barrett, III
Subsequent Statement of Responsibility
Stewart, Jill
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2019
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item
66
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
M.S.
Body granting the degree
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Text preceding or following the note
2019
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
Despite widespread use of onsite sanitation, little is known about the efficacy of these technologies in reducing pathogen hazards. This work aimed to understand the performance of septic tanks in reducing hazards posed by human excreta. A literature review was conducted to examine how septic tanks vary globally and how these variations may influence tanks' performance. This review demonstrated gaps in knowledge regarding pathogen reduction achieved by septic tanks. A case study was conducted in Tamil Nadu, India, to characterize the fecal sludge containment systems in use. The case study found that systems locally regarded as septic tanks did not meet design criteria typically associated with septic tanks. Additionally, the tanks did not discharge to a drainfield, but to an open drain, which presents the potential for unsafe returns of excreta to the environment. A more complete dataset will be necessary to construct a statistically robust model of pathogen flows.